Target: Armando Talamantes, Executive Director of Quinto Elemento Lab
Goal: Support investigation that uncovered reported health risks posed by recycled waste.
Troubling reports recently emerged of hazardous waste being shipped from the United States to “recycling” factories in North American neighbors Canada and Mexico. This ForceChange petition echoed calls from affected communities for urgent reform. Decisive steps have been taken in the aftermath of the controversy.
Following a report from a major international newspaper about America’s waste relocation practices, one of the companies prominently featured in the report – Zinc Nacional – came under intense scrutiny from Mexican officials. The initial report revealed high levels of dangerous toxins like lead and arsenic (including near schools) in a local community where the facility is located. Authorities ordered a temporary closure of the plant after their investigation confirmed a problem with emissions from the facility. Following public pressure, Zinc Nacional has announced that it will pull up stakes and move the plant’s polluting operations away from the endangered community.
Sign the petition below to thank the laboratory workers responsible for helping to blow the whistle on this toxic situation.
PETITON LETTER:
Dear Director Talamantes,
“Your millions are not worth our lives”: the aforementioned represents just one of the sentiments protesters of Zinc Nacional have expressed following Quinto Elemento Lab and The Guardian’s joint investigation into hazardous waste recycling plants. Thanks to this thorough investigation, at least one community will soon be safe from toxins forced onto its inhabitants, young and old alike. The closure and recently announced relocation of Zinc Nacional is a decisive win for public health.
Thank you for helping shine a spotlight of transparency on this crucial issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Environmental Protection Agency
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